Knock it Down: Open Floor Plan 101

Opening up your floor plan can be as simple as cutting a hole in a wall so that you can see from one room into the next, or as extreme as taking down all the walls between two or three rooms. Carefully think about how you will use the space and whether you want it to have access from all points or are just looking to create one section that is more open. Be mindful of whether you really want to hear and see everything that is going on in that other space that you plan to open up. Take into account the layout of cabinets, appliances, and furniture, as well as if there will need to be a change in flooring, paint color, or other finishes as you are determining your overall layout.